FD Shares Shelter-at-Home Advice Following 'Substantial' MA Fire

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Waltham firefighters responded to a two-alarm fire at 97 Chestnut St. behind Moody's Delicatessen at 8:59 a.m. on Friday.

The first arriving companies confirmed there was heavy fire and smoke showing from the second floor a corner unit of the multi-unit building.

"There was substantial fire damage to that unit itself and the attic space above," said Lt. Scott Perry of the Waltham Fire Department.

Other companies including the Lexington Fire Department helped to cover service areas during the fire. The fire took about an hour to contain.

Fighting fires in the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic is especially challenging, Perry said. The WFD is taking the necessary steps to stop the spread.

"Firefighters are taking precautions and cleaning their gear," he said. "As far as human contact, we're trying to do the best we can to minimize any type of contact just like anyone else."

With the stay-at-home orders in place, Perry stresses the importance of fire safety for Waltham residents.

"There are a lot of people at home right now," he said. "Be as diligent, as safe as you can because during the day we're used to having people in the workforce and out—we don't automatically assume that but it can create a bigger issue to have everyone home at a structure the whole time. Be diligent and be good to each other."

The Red Cross was on scene to support the people who were displaced.

The State Fire Marshall and the Waltham Fire Department are currently investigating the cause of the fire. There are no civilian injuries reported at this time, however one firefighter suffered a minor injury. No further information is available at this time.

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